This Past Weekend - Premier League Matchday 8 Recap
The winners and losers of this weekend’s matches.
Watford vs. Liverpool (0-5)
After a difficult draw against Manchester City last weekend, Liverpool found winning from again with a dominant display against Watford during the early kick-off. The Reds put in a stunning first-half performance, with Sadio Mane scoring the first after a pin-point assist from Mohamed Salah. Roberto Firmino got on the scoresheet as well, scoring a tap-in before half-time. He again scored in the second half after a save from the Watford keeper, putting Liverpool up 3-0. Salah, after having scored an incredible goal last weekend against City, produced another unbelievable moment of magic, beating three defenders in close quarters and curling the ball into the far corner. Watford, completely deflated, conceded again in the final minute of the game with Roberto Firmino completing his hat-trick.
MOTM: Mohamed Salah
Source: Getty Images
Southampton vs. Leeds (1-0)
Southampton ended their winless run with their first victory of the season over Leeds United. Leeds were missing key players Kalvin Phillips, Patrick Bamford, and Raphina, and were clearly not the same side that usually put in solid performances. The home side established a fast pace in the first half, and had decent chances but failed to convert. Southampton found their goal in the second half after a superb counterattack was finished off by Chelsea loanee Armando Broja. Leeds failed to register a shot on target, and drop to 17th, while the home side climb the table to 15th.
MOTM: Armando Broja
Norwich City vs. Brighton (0-0)
Brighton wasted a lot of chances in a match that produced no goals. While the away team looked the far better side throughout, they failed to convert their opportunities and had to settle for a point. For Norwich, Both Timo Pukki and UMSNT winger Josh Sargent wasted good chances in front of goal. Brighton’s defense will be pleased with their continued solidity, and they continue their run of decent form as they sit fourth in the table, 3 points behind Liverpool.
MOTM: Robert Sanchez
Aston Villa vs. Wolves (2-3)
Ruben Neves’ deflected free-kick in stoppage time claimed all three points for a Wolves team that has been struggling to find form this season. Danny Ings converted with a well-time header early on, and John McGinn doubled the lead with a deflected goal. Until the 80th minute, the score remained 2-0. Wolves began their comeback with a well worked team goal that was finished off by Romain Saiss. A scrap in the box led to the equalizer, after Conor Coady found the back of the net in the 85th minute. Neves silenced Villa Park with a final dagger, a deflected strike that trickled into the bottom left corner. Wolves will be delighted with the three points after a sensational comeback, and find themselves creeping up the table.
MOTM: Ruben Neves
Source: Yahoo Images
Leicester City vs. Manchester United (4-2)
In one of most goal-packed games of the season, Leicester City claimed all three points in an impressive performance at home. Mason Greenwood got on the scoresheet first with a beautiful curler from far out, but Youri Tielemans, who has been having a fantastic season, tied the game up with a sensational curling goal from the top of the box. The second-half was just as exciting as the first. Çağlar Söyüncü netted in the 78th minute, before Marcus Rashford made it 2-2 five minutes later. The game was still in the balance, but Leicester again took the lead in fantastic fashion, with a screamer from Jamie Vardy. Young talent Patson Daka topped off a fantastic afternoon for the Foxes with a well-taken goal in the last minute of the game. United will be left disappointed, and Solskjaer will certainly be asked questions on his team’s current form.
MOTM: Youri Tielemans
Manchester City vs. Burnley (2-0)
The current title holders put in a decent display in a dominant performance against Burnley. Pep Guardiola will certainly be hoping for better performances in the future, but his heavily rotated team got the job done. Bernardo Silva struck first, and City enjoyed a calm first half, limiting Burnley to only 3 shots. De Bruyne found the back of the net later in the first half, with a well-struck shot to the far corner. City will have certainly enjoyed the opportunity to rest key players before their Champions League game midweek.
MOTM: Bernardo Silva
Brentford vs. Chelsea (0-1)
It was a tight, intense clash in Brentford as the in-form home side looked to continue their solid form against league leaders Chelsea. Bryan Mbeumo hit the post twice in the first half, and Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy produced a fantastic display to deny Brentford of many opportunities. Ben Chilwell had a fantastic performance, and his lone goal proved to be the difference. Chelsea now have 6 wins in 8, and Brentford sit at the top half of the table with 12 points.
MOTM: Ben Chilwell
Everton vs. West Ham (0-1)
An inspired West Ham put in a defensively solid performance at Goodison Park, narrowly winning by a goal. Everton played poorly, and key players failed to step up. Alex Iwobi and Salomon Rondon both missed good chances in the first half, and West Ham controlled the game for the most part. Ogbonna scored with a neat header in the 74th minute to break the deadlock. West Ham move up to 7th with this result, and Everton slip down to 8th.
MOTM: Angelo Ogbonna
Source: Getty Images
Newcastle United vs. Tottenham (2-3)
In an exciting match, Tottenham came out on top and brought away all three points. After Callum Wilson’s opener, Tanguy Ndombele, Harry Kane and Heung-min Son all scored in the first half. There was a delay due to a medical emergency in the stands, but the game resumed quickly. Jonjo Shelvey was sent off for a rash challenge, but Newcastle came back to score a second through an Eric Dier own goal. With a nervy ending, Spurs managed to hold on to grab the win.
MOTMs: Sergio Reguilon, Eric Dier
Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace (2-2)
In this London derby, two teams that have found inspired form had to each settle for a point. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang found the back of the net early in the 8th minute, and Arsenal went into half-time with the narrow lead. Crystal Palace came back with a dominant performance in the second half, with Christian Benteke and young talent Odsonne Edouard scoring for Palace. The Emirates erupted in the 95th minute however, when Alexandre Lacazette tied the game following a set piece, rescuing a point for Arsenal. The biggest talking point of the game will be a clear red card not being given for Alex McArthur, who brutally lashed out at Bukayo Saka on purpose, missing the ball completely.
MOTM: Alexandre Lacazette
Source: Getty Images